The weather was perfect. The crowd was enormous Saturday for the 98th annual Old Settlers’ Day celebration in downtown Marion.

This event always impresses me.

For 98 years, Marion has successfully had parades and events in the park to welcome back those who have lived here in the past.

What a glorious day for a parade! The weather could not have been any more perfect.

Can anyone recall the last time it rained on Old Settlers’ Day? I know there have been some years that it rained before and after but cannot recall when it rained during the parade.

And what about that parade!

The floats were great, participation was impressive, and the crowds on the street were certainly enthusiastic.

Hats off to Marion Kiwanis Club members. They did it again by serving lunch to the masses in a short amount of time.

There are few high schools that have this type of reunion where people come great distances to their alma mater for an annual event.

My Ottawa High School graduating class meets every five years but with each milestone, fewer return (including me).

Maybe it’s because Marion is a close-knit community and continues the tradition, now nearing the 100-year mark. Maybe it’s more common in smaller communities with smaller graduating classes.

Whatever the reason, we’re glad Marion does it and want we to see it continue.

— susan berg